Tasik Kenyir

(Photo courtesy pbase.com)

"Located about 60km from Kuala Terengganu, it covers an area of 369 sq.km or 260,000ha. Once a tropical valley, it was flooded to create a hydroelectricity dam, thus creating within the lake numerous man-made islands of the once jutting hills and making it the largest man-made lake in South East Asia. The hilly regions of Tasik Kenyir contain areas of untouched tropical rainforest estimated to be millions of years old. The lake is unique for her beautiful scenario of tropical forest and its valuable flora and fauna species. It is believed that the area is the habitat of more than 8000 species of flowers, 2500 species of plants and trees, 8000 species of orchids, 370 species of birds and 300 species of fresh water fish.

Made up of 340 islands and 14 waterfalls and rapids, The Kenyir Lake provides for total relaxation and enjoyment in a unique environment. Kenyir Lake is a popular and ideal retreat for nature lovers, anglers and photographers, as well as cavers. Other activities include swimming, canoeing, boating and jungle trekking. Accommodation such as houseboats, floating chalets and lakeside resorts are also available to visitors. Due to the cleanliness of the lake, the Kenyir Lake has a wide variety of fresh water fish such as Toman (Snakehead), Baung (Catfish), Lampan Sungai (Scwanenfeldii’s Barb / Bardboides), Kelah (Malaysian Mahseer), Sebarau (Carp) etc…, so not surprisingly it has been dubbed as an 'Anglers Paradise'."

(courtesy abcmalaysia.com)

Sekayu Waterfalls

"The sight of water gushing and failing from a high altitude and the sound of rushing water is a very pleasurable experience. A favourite retreat for visitors and locals alike, the Sekayu Waterfalls with its seven cascades are surrounded by its natural landscape of lush jungle-clad hills, a fruit orchard, a mini zoo, a bird park, a flower garden and countless species of flora and fauna. Various facilities such as shelters, changing rooms, chalets and a resthouse have also been provided for the visitors' convenience. Located within the Sekayu Recreational Forest in Kuala Berang, it is only a 56 km drive from Kuala Terengganu, and about 45 minutes drive through unspoiled country scenery. There is a minimal charge of RM1.00 for each entry into the recreational forest".
(Courtery cuti.com)

Pasar Payang

"Pasar Payang, (Photo courtesy virtualtourist.com) or the Central Market of Kuala Terengganu, is a must-visit especially for first-time visitors to this turtle state. Located just a few minutes walk north along the pier from the inter-city bus station, Pasar Payang serves as both a wet market as well as trade centre for the local community. There is a festive air as you approach the entrance of the market, with makeshift stalls lining the path, showcasing trinkets of all kinds. In their loudest voice, these peddlers will impress you with the alleged magical powers of the amulets, the potency of their traditional medicines, or the quality of their precious stones.

On the ground floor, trading stalls are covered with fresh fish, meats and vegetables of all colour, many manned by kindly-faced old ladies, ever smiling, inviting you to their wares. This is where you'll find the unfamiliar and sometimes the bizarre. Instead of lettuce and tomatoes, here you'll find a whole range of traditional greens – pegaga, ulam raja, petai – normally eaten raw and seldom found at conventional urban grocers. Each of these vegetables is said to possess medicinal properties which can keep check almost every ailment there is. Peria is good for kidney ailments, pegaga for high blood pressure. You can get fresh produce of local delicacies such as the 'keropok lekor', made of grounded fish and flour, and 'serunding', the spicy flavoursome meat floss.

Terengganu is also known for its thriving batik industry. Some of the best batik and songket in Malaysia is hand made in Terengganu and a vast choice of this traditional textile can be purchased on the first floor of the Pasar Payang. A wide range of colourful handkerchiefs, batik shirts, scarves and kaftans are on display for you to choose from. Feast your eyes on a wide array of souvenirs. Silk garments, rattan baskets, brassware items and farmers’ hats are also popular items on sale here. Be sure to bargain for the best price when you're buying.

Drop by Pasar Payang the next time you happen to be in Kuala Terengganu and you will undoubtedly have a delightful experience shopping in local fares at reasonable prices here at Pasar Payang"

(Courtesy virtualmalaysia)

The Floating Mosque

"A state where religion is held close to it's people's hearts, the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, or also referred to as the Floating Mosque, is one of the icons of Islam in the state. Built from an idea birthed by the late Sultan of Terengganu, Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah, this mosque was named after his mother, Tuanku Intan Zaharah binti Almarhum Tengku Seri Setia Raja.

The mosque is located in Teluk Ibai, just over 4km away from Kuala Terengganu town centre, quite close to the beautiful beach of Terengganu's coast. The white structure of the mosque gorunds covers and area of roughly 5 acres and serves a number of villages nearby. Construction of the mosque began in 1991, designed by celebrated architect, Raja Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad.

The beauty of its architecture and serenity of its surrounding landscape, also draws a great number of visitors to Terengganu who take the opportunity to perform their prayers and take a breather from their journey at this mosque. The design of the mosque reflects a subtle Islamic influence combined with local features, incorporating the use of marble, ceramics, mosaic works and bomanite paving. . The entire mosque covers 25,282 square feet - large enough to accommodate between 800 to 1,000 people at once - and the minaret stands 125 feet tall. Constructed with a lake surrounding it, much like a moat, the mosque is popularly referred to as the Floating Mosque. With the backdrop of the open SoutH China Sea, this mosque is an irresistable attraction to visitors in Terengganu".
(Courtesy virtualmalaysia.com)

Leatherback turtles

"Rantau Abang is about 60 km from Kuala Terengganu, the nearest town is Dungun which is 22km to the south. This place is rather famous as the main nesting beach for turtles especially as one of the six nesting beach in the world for giant leatherback turtle (Dermocheleys coriaca). From May to September in every year, there will be visitors wait patiently and quietly on the beach for the turtle. The turtle will swim all the way back to here, then lumbering slowly on the sandy beaches to lay their eggs and disappear in the sea again. They normally lay their eggs when it is full moon and accompany with hide tide.

Nobody knows the reason why do these creatures choose to come back every year. However, the local believe that the turtles are attracted by two giant turtle stones (Batu Penyu) one lies between the bushes on a little hill in the village off the coast and another soaking in seawater. The mysterious stone on the hill is accessible in a 30 minutes short walk passing through the village. There is sign board along the way or you may get a villager to bring you there. Whereas the other one is covered by sand and water and is not visible any more.

Though there are conservation actions taken by the Fisheries Department, reports show that number of turtle coming back to lay theirs eggs every year is declining. This is partly due to the consequence of some incorporative action from the visitors such as pulling the turtle’s flippers, riding on the turtle, taking the eggs, etc.

Even not for the purpose of witnessing the egg laying ‘process’, Rantau Abang is still a great place for swimming, picnicking and sunbathing. The miles long clean and soft sandy beach is a temptation for many people. Local run chalets and guesthouses are just standing behind the beach, offering excellent rooms and services.

There is a Turtle Information Center situated by the main road, displaying information about turtles. A few minutes documentary is also played several times a day".

(Courtesy terengganutourism.com)

Keropok Stalls

If you are travelling from the north or the south towards Dungun, you will definately notice rows of keropok stalls along the highway. Keropok lekor or keropok losong is a name given to a popular boiled or fried snack in Terengganu. The keropok is made of fish meat, grounded to a paste. It is then mixed with sago and rolled to form the lekor or the losong. Another form of keropok is the thin, crispy ones which are called keropok keping. Keropok are best eaten hot with its special chili dip. So don't miss the chance of stopping at these stalls and bringing some home to your families.

Oil and ships

When Dungun became the iron mining town in the late 1940s, the locals were able to see foreign ships coming and going. Dungun became a busy small town. The 'golden era' ended in the late 70s when the mines in Bukit Besi closed-down. The expatriate worders returned and Dungun was left idle. In 1982, PETRONAS Carigali made its first oil discovery at Dulang Oilfield off the coast of Terengganu.

"Another oil industry city in Terengganu is Kerteh which is about 2 hours drive to the south of Kuala Terengganu. The whole setting and layout of Kerteh is so much different from other cities in Terengganu state. With the moving in of the petroleum refineries into this little town, rows of modern residential houses were built in the outskirt of old for the employees in the petroleum processing companies apart from the refineries plants a few kilometers away. The economy of this tiny town has blown up in a night time changing from one little ‘no city’ to a city with important economy role for the state. Passing by the huge petroleum refinery plants in the night time is a unforgettable experience. Gases accompanied by fire released from the pipe and the huge plants are brightly lighted and appear in a suddenly on a bare land, like a space city appear in the middle of the sky." (courtesy terengganutourism.com)

Seberang Pintasan

If you are planning for a picnic and Dungun is your destination, then one place you can go will be Seberang Pintasan which is about 10 Km away from Dungun. Seberang Pintasan is a small fishing village in Tanjung jara, having a white sandy cove and houses with steep wooden roofs with its traditionally designed buildings. One can get the thrills of watching the sun rise over the sea or fishermen pulling their net to the shore. The best part of this picnic will be a beachside barbecue with your family or friends.

Paka Town

This small fishing village that lies 10 km north of Kerteh town, 120 km north of Kuantan, and 110 km south of Kuala Terengganu has now transformed into a busy commercial area. Thanks to the discovery of oil in the waters off Terengganu, Paka now has emerged out of the shadows of poverty in the past. To reach Paka from the north one has to cross the bridge across the Paka River that flows lazily to the majestic South China Sea. Alongside the river you can still see the remains of the tranquil fishing village of Paka. The roads are now wider to accomodate the increasing traffic from the north and the south. Eventhough this town is developing at a fast rate, the government is carefull to maintain the scenic beauty of this place as it is listed as one of the country's tourist destination.

Bridging the Gap

Kuala Dungun

This bridge which is under construction will link Kuala Dungun to Tanjung Jara which is popular as a picnic spot for locals and foreigners. Before it was just a fishing village and the villagers have to cross the Dungun River either by boat or a bridge which covers a distance of 10 km to buy provisions in Kuala Dungun.

The Boom Town

The past and the present

The photos in black and white are aerial photos of Kuala Dungun after the closure of Bukit Besi mining operation. It was the time when Dungun regress from a trading centre to a dull fishing town. Later, after the discovery of petroleum in the waters off the coast of Terengganu, Dungun began to show a steady growth in population and commerce.